Mohawk Industries Takes Steps to Fight Breast Cancer with Decorate For The Cure

July 06, 2011 There's no way to cushion the facts about breast cancer: About 200,000 women and 2,000 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with the disease this year, and about 40,000 will die from it. With these and other troubling statistics about this invasive illness in mind, two of Mohawk Industries' premier flooring companies - Mohawk and Karastan - are launching twin Decorate for the Cure initiatives that tie sales of SmartCushion and KaraStep Reserve, their respective cushion underlay products, to the funding of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Since its founding nearly four decades ago, Komen has been dedicated to supporting breast cancer research and educational programming instrumental in significantly reducing breast cancer mortality rates. Though this is both Mohawk's and Karastan's first official sponsorship drive for Komen, their parent company has been responsible for raising more than $3.7 million since first aligning with the organization in 2001.

"As the top resource for all flooring needs in the industry, we believe Mohawk has a responsibility to help make the world we operate within a better, healthier place," said David Duncan, Vice President of Marketing at Mohawk. "We are delighted to partner with Komen for the Cure and offer consumers this opportunity to make a real difference in the fight against breast cancer."

Integral to any carpet installation, cushion is now benefitting from technological breakthroughs, and to trumpet the new generation of wall-to-wall underlays both Mohawk and Karastan are looking to the Komen connection, with packaging and displays underscoring their long-term commitment. Mohawk has even gone so far as to offer its new SmartCushion completely colored in Komen's signature pink.

In addition to their shared Komen for the Cure cause, Mohawk's SmartCushion and Karastan's KaraStep Reserve have several key characteristics in common, including numerous health benefits. Made from ViscoElastic Memory foam, SmartCushion and KaraStep Reserve contain an antimicrobial additive that protects against odor-causing mold, fungus and mildew. Both cushions are environmentally friendly, made from 90 percent recycled content, and have maximum thermal and sound insulation for warmer, quieter and more energy-efficient rooms. A unique moisture barrier film prevents stains from re-emerging and makes clean-up a "one and done" process.

"We are delighted that Mohawk and Karastan, two of the most powerful brands in flooring, are partnering and lending their support to this one important cause - ending breast cancer," said Margo Lucero, vice president, business development and partnerships with Komen for the Cure. "By working together, we will fuel the boldest community, fund the best science and make the biggest impact in the fight against this disease."

From June 2011 to December 2012, Mohawk Industries will contribute a minimum guaranteed donation of $100,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure as part of the Decorate for the Cure program.